Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Students and staff at Plaza Middle School were welcomed back to the new school year to refurbished garden areas thanks to the efforts of Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Naval Station Norfolk and Coast Guard Station Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Station.

Twenty military partners in education dedicated a full day to mulch commons areas, trim bushes, pull weeds in the gardens/outdoor classrooms and rake entrances to the school.

“We are excited that all will be fresh and ready for our students from day one,” says Plaza principal Joe Burnsworth. “We are fortunate to be able to call on our partners who were eager to assist.”

PO3 Lavdjola Fasho quickly “rallied the troops” when she learned of the need at the middle school. “We want to be able to do what we can for students. It’s our way of giving back to the community who does so much for us and our children.”

The military partners shared a Back to School luncheon with staff at the school and were presented with certificates of appreciation from the principal. Everyone looks forward to working together for a very successful 2013-2014 school year.